Watch canoe races, eat salmon barbecue at Stommish Water Festival

The Swan Clan Dancers perform at the 69th annual Stommish Water Festival on Lummi Reservation in 2015. Evan Abellevan.abell@bellinghamherald.com

The Swan Clan Dancers perform at the 69th annual Stommish Water Festival on Lummi Reservation in 2015. Evan Abellevan.abell@bellinghamherald.com

LUMMI RESERVATION

Lummi Nation celebrates its 70th annual Stommish Water Festival through this weekend with native canoe races and traditional dances and games.

Events run through Sunday, June 12, at the Stommish Grounds on Lummi View Drive near the Gooseberry Point ferry dock. Admission to the festival is free.

Stommish began in 1946, when Lummi veterans of World War I held a celebration for the safe return of the tribe’s soldiers who served in World War II. Events include war canoe races, a Sla-hal bone game tournament, a veterans pow wow, athletic events, songs and dancing, a salmon barbecue, a carnival and concerts featuring native entertainers.